A Q&A with Bryce Daley

Bryce Daley, the 15-year-old AAU basketball player from Pittsfield, talked with The Eagle's Brian Sullivan on his participation in the AAU league and in the game.

Q. What is the upside to AAU basketball?

A. You start to realize that there's a ton of people playing this sport. The competition can't help but make you a better player.

Q. What is the downside to AAU basketball?

A. The travel can get to you once in a while. But for the most part I'm cool with it. I listen to music, try and do some school work. It's not always easy to get your sleep at the hotel where you are staying, so you learn to get a few hours on the bus if you can. And you better learn to eat right on the road. If you don't, you won't play well.

Q. What about spending time living away from home?

A. I'm OK with it. I'm comfortable. I can't say I get homesick.

Q. As a guard, would you rather pass the ball for the winning shot or take and make the winning shot?

A. When I shoot the ball, I do it with confidence. If a teammate is open, then I'll get them the ball. Getting the win is the most important thing.

Q. How tough will/would it be to leave Pittsfield High School for a prep school?

A. It would be very difficult, and I don't mean for this to sound selfish, but you have to do what's right for you if it will help make me a better player.

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Q. College recruiting rules are complicated. Where are you at?

A. You're right, they are. Colleges can invite you to their camps after your freshman year in high school and can actively begin to recruit you after your sophomore year. Right now I'm getting a lot of invitations to camps.

Q. Pittsfield native Mike Culpo has mentored you. He's a former City Rocks player and also played at Division I for Long Island University. How has he helped you?

A. He's worked with me on my shot. You can't coach height, but he tells me you can go as far as the shot will take you.

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